BC Parks calls Champion Lakes Provincial Park “an ideal destination for family fun.” Paddle on a chain of three lakes; swimmers will like Third Lake's warm waters. The park is near Trail and has 95 sites.

National ParksYoho National Park, Kootenay National Park and Glacier National Park offer a massive selection of vehicle-accessible campgrounds: 11 campgrounds with more than 750 campsites. Stay near Radium Hot Springs, walk to thundering Takakkaw Falls, or wander through a wetland. Lace up your boots for a tough hiking trail or take the family out on an easy walk to learn about the forest – some campgrounds even offer interpretive programs. Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park is the largest, with 242 sites (some of which have full RV hook-ups).

Kootenay Rockies has nearly 60 private campgrounds and RV parks. They are well-distributed throughout the region: near parks, major highways, hot springs, historic sites, and many charming small towns.

For a list of campgrounds and RV Parks in this region, visit the Kootenay Rockies Accommodations page and select "Campgrounds/RV Parks" from the Category drop-down menu

Recreation Sites
Lounge on the large beach or hang out on the wharf at Garland Bay Recreation Site, located on the east side of Kootenay Lake north of Crawford Bay. This is a popular summer spot with 32 campsites accessible by RVs.

Carnes Creek Recreation Site is just off Highway 23 north of Revelstoke. Thirty campsites (large enough for RVs) and a boat launch are near Lake Revelstoke, which is great for fishing and boating.

Wilderness and Backcountry Camping Highlights

Provincial Parks
Feel like camping at the top of the world? Head northeast of Kimberley to Top of the World Provincial Park. An easy 6.7km/4.1mi trail (suitable for families) leads from the parking lot to lakeside campsites and a cabin. Hike to alpine flowers and fish for cutthroat or Dolly Varden in Fish Lake.

Trek along Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park’s 85km/53mi of well-marked trails and wander past glaciers, peaks and lakes. Overnight at one of three cabins (Kokanee Glacier, Woodbury, Silver Spray) or camp in the backcountry. Post-wilderness, soak at nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs.

National Parks
Backcountry camping is available at all four national parks: Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier or Mount Revelstoke.

Two parks have particularly stand-out backcountry camping and hiking areas. Kootenay's Floe Lake Campground is a highlight of the Rockwall Trail. Yoho’s Lake O’Hara area is known for its pristine alpine environment with trails that lead from the backcountry campground to alpine flowers, streams and boulder fields.

Recreation Sites
Whitetail Lake Recreation Site is near Fairmont Hot Springs, just east of Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park. It’s popular with locals and visitors, and is great for fly-fishing – there’s a boat launch and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.

When to Go Camping

Camping season is generally mid-May to early September; some sites are open later, earlier or year-round. July and August are busiest; May, June, September and October are great camping months – fewer crowds! Reservations are recommended for popular locations or during public holiday weekends.

Planning a Camping Trip

General information about fees, reservations and facilities can be found at Camping in BC. For more details about where to camp, plus photos, visit Camping & RV in BC.

Phone or stop in at Visitor Centres for local camping knowledge or directions.

Campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on the campground and if there is a campfire ban in effect.

Some campgrounds are pet-friendly. Check in advance to be sure.

Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.